When you shave with a Mastro Livi razor, you know you are not simply shaving, indeed you realize and know you are enjoying a masterpiece of art, technique, craftsmanship and talent. This is the case of this straight razor made of genuine artisan martensitic stainless steel damascus made by Mastro Livi in his laboratory and by using artisan techniques only. This damascus is in fact made of martensitic stainless steels, something not to easy to make by using artisan techniques. Scales, too, are fascinating as they are made from African black ebony with precious inserts of jade, white turquoise and coral - forming the Italian flag - and a middle plate made of fossil mammoth ivory. A tribute to Italy, of course, and the magnificent artisan tradition of my country. I am also liking the new Mastro Livi shave brush range, including this best badger brush which is very good in mounting lather. As for soap, I used one of the very best around - Martin De Candre - with a lovely and fascinating Mediterranean fragrance to which I coupled my favorite aftershave and, in my opinion, one of the most effective ones: Floïd mentolado vigoroso. What a shave!

I'm really enjoying Wholly Kaw's tallow base. It's dense and creamy with superb slickness. It's fairly easy to over-water, so mind that. The aptly named Cuero Oscuro ("dark leather") won't be for everyone, which is what I believe Wholly Kaw was going for. A departure from the typically powdery and floral accords of many of their other offerings, this is a bold, smoky, worn leather fragrance. I very much enjoy this category of fringe masculine scents.